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JMIR Pediatrics and Parenting Oct 2018Children and youth with disabilities experience many challenges in their development, including higher risk of poor self-esteem, fewer friendships, and social isolation.... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Children and youth with disabilities experience many challenges in their development, including higher risk of poor self-esteem, fewer friendships, and social isolation. Electronic mentoring is a potentially viable approach for youth with disabilities to access social and peer support within a format that reduces physical barriers to accessing mentors.
OBJECTIVE
Our objective was to synthesize and review the literature on the impact of electronic mentoring for children and youth with disabilities.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review, completing comprehensive searches of 7 databases from 1993 to May 2018. We selected articles for inclusion that were peer-reviewed publications, had a sample of children or youth with disabilities (≤25 years of age), and had empirical findings with at least one outcome focusing on the impact of electronic mentoring. Two reviewers independently applied the inclusion criteria, extracted the data, and rated the study quality before discussing the findings.
RESULTS
In the 25 studies meeting our inclusion criteria, 897 participants (aged 12-26, mean 17.4 years) were represented across 6 countries. Although the outcomes varied across the studies, of 11 studies testing significance, 9 (81%) reported a significant improvement in at least one of the following: career decision making, self-determination, self-advocacy, self-confidence, self-management, social skills, attitude toward disability, and coping with daily life. The electronic mentoring interventions varied in their delivery format and involved 1 or more of the following: interactive websites, virtual environment, email, mobile apps, Skype video calls, and phone calls. A total of 13 studies involved one-to-one mentoring, 6 had group-based mentoring, and 6 had a combination of both.
CONCLUSIONS
The evidence in this review suggests it is possible that electronic mentoring is effective for children and youth with disabilities. More rigorously designed studies are needed to understand the impact and effective components of electronic mentoring interventions.
PubMed: 31518310
DOI: 10.2196/11679 -
Journal of Intellectual Disabilities :... Oct 2023Persons with intellectual disabilities require frequent access to acute services. Many also access disability services within the community. Reports and enquiries have... (Review)
Review
Acute service and disability service providers experiences of joint working to improve health care experiences of people with an intellectual disability compared to non-joint working: A mixed-method systematic review.
Persons with intellectual disabilities require frequent access to acute services. Many also access disability services within the community. Reports and enquiries have highlighted the sub-optimal healthcare provided to this group when accessing healthcare in acute services. Joint working between acute and disability services has been identified as a measure to improve healthcare for this group. A mixed method systematic review was undertaken to explore current evidence of joint working between both service providers. Twelve publications were included, and the data were analysed using thematic analysis. Confusion around responsibility and limited training in acute services prevented joint working from occurring. Information-sharing is pivotal in promoting joint-working, but measures which facilitated it were not always used. Albeit acute services demonstrated a strong commitment to deliver quality care to those with intellectual disabilities. Much of the available research captures the experiences of staff in acute services. There is a paucity of research available exploring experiences of disability service providers.
PubMed: 37864518
DOI: 10.1177/17446295231209345 -
Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health... Jun 2019Disability in older adults leads to poor quality of life, is costly for the health system, and is a risk for mortality. Little is known about disability in older...
BACKGROUND
Disability in older adults leads to poor quality of life, is costly for the health system, and is a risk for mortality. Little is known about disability in older immigrants to the USA.
OBJECTIVE
To synthesize the evidence on the prevalence and factors associated with disability in older adult immigrants.
METHODS
We conducted searches in PubMed, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and Scopus. Disability was defined as difficulty in performing basic or instrumental activities of daily living. Older adult was defined as 65 years and older. Immigrant status was defined as someone born outside of the USA.
RESULTS
Eighteen articles met the inclusion criteria. Seven studied Hispanic/Latino immigrants, six studied Asian immigrants, four studied diverse older immigrant samples, and one studied European immigrants. Prevalence of disability ranged from 2 to 49% in Asians and 3 to 58.1% in Hispanic/Latinos. In a diverse sample of immigrants, the prevalence of disability was 19.3%. Correlates of disability included female gender, low income, limited education, single status, migration in late adulthood, obesity, arthritis, and diabetes. Factors protective against disability in older adult immigrants were acculturation, migrating at a younger age, exercise, alcohol intake, and church attendance.
CONCLUSION
Disability prevalence was generally lower in Asian immigrants compared to Hispanic/Latino immigrants. Identification of the precise rates and factors associated with disability in older immigrants can inform health interventions for this population.
Topics: Activities of Daily Living; Aged; Disabled Persons; Emigrants and Immigrants; Female; Health Status Disparities; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Sex Factors; United States
PubMed: 30618007
DOI: 10.1007/s40615-018-00554-9 -
BMC Geriatrics Feb 2016Joint contractures are a common health problem in older persons with significant impact on activities of daily living. We aimed to retrieve outcome measures applied in... (Review)
Review
Outcome measures in older persons with acquired joint contractures: a systematic review and content analysis using the ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health) as a reference.
BACKGROUND
Joint contractures are a common health problem in older persons with significant impact on activities of daily living. We aimed to retrieve outcome measures applied in studies on older persons with joint contractures and to identify and categorise the concepts contained in these outcome measures using the ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health) as a reference.
METHODS
Electronic searches of Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, Pedro and the Cochrane Library were conducted (1/2002-8/2012). We included studies in the geriatric rehabilitation and nursing home settings with participants aged ≥ 65 years and with acquired joint contractures. Two independent reviewers extracted the outcome measures and transferred them to concepts using predefined conceptual frameworks. Concepts were subsequently linked to the ICF categories.
RESULTS
From the 1057 abstracts retrieved, 60 studies met the inclusion criteria. We identified 52 single outcome measures and 24 standardised assessment instruments. A total of 1353 concepts were revealed from the outcome measures; 96.2% could be linked to 50 ICF categories in the 2nd level; 3.8% were not categorised. Fourteen of the 50 categories (28%) belonged to the component Body Functions, 4 (8%) to the component Body Structures, 26 (52%) to the component Activities and Participation, and 6 (12%) to the component Environmental Factors.
CONCLUSIONS
The ICF is a valuable reference for identifying and quantifying the concepts of outcome measures on joint contractures in older people. The revealed ICF categories remain to be validated in populations with joint contractures in terms of clinical relevance and personal impact.
Topics: Activities of Daily Living; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Arthritis; Contracture; Disability Evaluation; Disabled Persons; Female; Humans; International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health; Male; Outcome Assessment, Health Care
PubMed: 26860991
DOI: 10.1186/s12877-016-0213-6 -
Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy 2023There is no systematic review assessing the effectiveness of interferential current (IC) in patients with low back pain. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
There is no systematic review assessing the effectiveness of interferential current (IC) in patients with low back pain.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effectiveness of IC in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain.
METHODS
The databases PUBMED, EMBASE, PEDro, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and SCIELO were searched. Randomized controlled trials reporting pain intensity and disability in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain, in which IC was applied were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) was used to evaluate the quality of evidence.
RESULTS
Thirteen RCTs were considered eligible for this systematic review (pooled n = 1367). Main results showed moderate-quality evidence and moderate effect sizes that IC probably reduces pain intensity and disability compared to placebo immediately post-treatment (Pain: MD = -1.57 points; 95% CI -2.17, -0.98; Disability: MD = -1.51 points; 95% CI -2.57, -0.46), but not at intermediate-term follow-up. Low-quality evidence with small effect size showed that IC may reduce pain intensity (SMD = -0.32; 95% CI -0.61, -0.03, p = 0.03) compared to TENS immediately post-treatment, but not for disability. There is very low-quality evidence that IC combined with other interventions (massage or exercises) may not further reduce pain intensity and disability compared to the other interventions provided in isolation immediately post-treatment.
CONCLUSION
Moderate-quality evidence shows that IC is probably better than placebo for reducing pain intensity and disability immediately post-treatment in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain.
Topics: Humans; Low Back Pain; Exercise Therapy; Pain Measurement; Disabled Persons; Chronic Pain
PubMed: 37801776
DOI: 10.1016/j.bjpt.2023.100549 -
PloS One 2016Smoking, alcohol consumption, poor diet and low levels of physical activity significantly contribute to the burden of illness in developed countries. Whilst the links... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Smoking, alcohol consumption, poor diet and low levels of physical activity significantly contribute to the burden of illness in developed countries. Whilst the links between specific and multiple risk behaviours and individual chronic conditions are well documented, the impact of these behaviours in mid-life across a range of later life outcomes has yet to be comprehensively assessed. This review aimed to provide an overview of behavioural risk factors in mid-life that are associated with successful ageing and the primary prevention or delay of disability, dementia, frailty and non-communicable chronic conditions.
METHODS
A literature search was conducted to identify cohort studies published in English since 2000 up to Dec 2014. Multivariate analyses and a minimum follow-up of five years were required for inclusion. Two reviewers screened titles, abstracts and papers independently. Studies were assessed for quality. Evidence was synthesised by mid-life behavioural risk for a range of late life outcomes.
FINDINGS
This search located 10,338 individual references, of which 164 are included in this review. Follow-up data ranged from five years to 36 years. Outcomes include dementia, frailty, disability and cardiovascular disease. There is consistent evidence of beneficial associations between mid-life physical activity, healthy ageing and disease outcomes. Across all populations studied there is consistent evidence that mid-life smoking has a detrimental effect on health. Evidence specific to alcohol consumption was mixed. Limited, but supportive, evidence was available relating specifically to mid-life diet, leisure and social activities or health inequalities.
CONCLUSIONS
There is consistent evidence of associations between mid-life behaviours and a range of late life outcomes. The promotion of physical activity, healthy diet and smoking cessation in all mid-life populations should be encouraged for successful ageing and the prevention of disability and chronic disease.
Topics: Adult; Age of Onset; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aging; Alcohol Drinking; Body Weight; Dementia; Diet; Disabled Persons; Frail Elderly; Health Behavior; Humans; Middle Aged; Minority Health; Motor Activity; Risk Factors; Smoking
PubMed: 26845035
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0144405 -
International Journal of Environmental... May 2024The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) ushered in a transformative era in disability services in Australia, requiring new workforce models to meet evolving... (Review)
Review
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) ushered in a transformative era in disability services in Australia, requiring new workforce models to meet evolving participant needs. Therapy Assistants are utilised to increase the capacity of therapy services in areas of workforce shortage. The governance arrangements required to support this emergent workforce have received limited attention in the literature. This review examined the key components and contextual factors of governance in rural settings, specifically focusing on therapy support workers under the guidance of allied health professionals in rural and remote areas. Guided by the social model of disability and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, a realist perspective was used to analyse 26 papers (after deduplication), mostly Australian and qualitative, with an emphasis on staff capabilities, training, and credentialling. Success measures were often vaguely defined, with most papers focusing on staff improvement and few focusing on client or organisational improvement. Consistent staffing, role clarity, community collaboration, and supportive leadership were identified as enabling contexts for successful governance of disability therapy support workers in rural areas. Investment in capability (soft skills) development, tailored training, competency assessment, credentialling, and supervision were identified as key activities that, when coupled with the identified enabling contexts, were likely to influence staff, client and organisational outcomes. Further research is warranted to explore long-term impacts of governance arrangements, educational program accountability, and activities targeted at enhancing staff capabilities.
Topics: Humans; Disabled Persons; Australia; Rural Health Services; Rural Population; Allied Health Personnel
PubMed: 38928939
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21060693 -
Pediatric Blood & Cancer Sep 2015Pediatric, adolescent, and young adult survivors of bone sarcomas are at risk for poor quality of life (QOL). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Pediatric, adolescent, and young adult survivors of bone sarcomas are at risk for poor quality of life (QOL). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the literature describing QOL in this population and differences in QOL based on local control procedures.
PROCEDURE
Included studies described ≥5 patients <25 years old who had completed local control treatment for bone sarcoma, defined QOL as a main outcome, and measured it with a validated instrument. Data extraction and quality assessments were conducted with standardized tools. Meta-analyses compared QOL based on surgical procedure (limb-sparing vs. amputation) and were stratified by assessment type (objective physical function, clinician-assessed disability, patient-reported disability, and patient-reported QOL). Effect sizes were reported as the standard mean difference when multiple instruments were used within a comparison and weighted mean difference otherwise. All were weighted by inverse variance and modeled with random effects.
RESULTS
Twenty-two of 452 unique manuscripts were included in qualitative syntheses, eight of which were included in meta-analyses. Manuscripts were heterogeneous with respect to included patient populations (age, tumor type, time since treatment) and QOL instruments. Prospective studies suggested that QOL improves over time, and that female sex and older age at diagnosis are associated with poor QOL. Meta-analyses showed no differences in outcomes between patients who underwent limb-sparing versus amputation for local control.
CONCLUSION
QOL studies among children and AYAs with bone sarcoma are remarkably diverse, making it difficult to detect trends in patient outcomes. Future research should focus on standardized QOL instruments and interpretations.
Topics: Adolescent; Age Factors; Amputation, Surgical; Bone Neoplasms; Child; Child, Preschool; Cross-Sectional Studies; Disabled Persons; Female; Humans; Limb Salvage; Male; Prospective Studies; Quality of Life; Recovery of Function; Sarcoma; Self Report; Surveys and Questionnaires; Survivors; Young Adult
PubMed: 25820683
DOI: 10.1002/pbc.25514 -
Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) Aug 2016Fifteen percent of the world's population live with disability, and many of these individuals choose to play sport. There are barriers to sport participation for... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Fifteen percent of the world's population live with disability, and many of these individuals choose to play sport. There are barriers to sport participation for athletes with disability and sports injury can greatly impact on daily life, which makes sports injury prevention additionally important.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this review is to systematically review the definitions, methodologies and injury rates in disability sport, which should assist future identification of risk factors and development of injury prevention strategies. A secondary aim is to highlight the most pressing issues for improvement of the quality of injury epidemiology research for disability sport.
METHODS
A search of NICE, AMED, British Nursing Index, CINAHL, EMBASE and Medline was conducted to identify all publications up to 16 June 2015. Of 489 potentially relevant articles and reference searching, a total of 15 studies were included. Wide study sample heterogeneity prevented data pooling and meta-analysis.
RESULTS
Results demonstrated an evolving field of epidemiology, but with wide differences in sports injury definition and with studies focused on short competitions. Background data were generally sparse; there was minimal exposure analysis, and no analysis of injury severity, all of which made comparison of injury risk and injury severity difficult.
CONCLUSION
There is an urgent need for consensus on sports injury definition and methodology in disability sports. The quality of studies is variable, with inconsistent sports injury definitions, methodologies and injury rates, which prevents comparison, conclusions and development of injury prevention strategies. The authors highlight the most pressing issues for improvement of the quality in injury epidemiology research for disability sport.
Topics: Athletic Injuries; Epidemiologic Research Design; Humans; Risk Factors; Sports for Persons with Disabilities
PubMed: 26846430
DOI: 10.1007/s40279-016-0478-0 -
Journal of Applied Research in... Jul 2021Social inclusion has been explored using a wide range of theories and methods. Belonging and reciprocity have been identified as key components of social inclusion. This... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Social inclusion has been explored using a wide range of theories and methods. Belonging and reciprocity have been identified as key components of social inclusion. This systematic methodological review identifies and evaluates the theoretical frameworks and qualitative approaches adopted to explore belonging and reciprocity in the lives of adults with intellectual disabilities.
METHOD
A systematic search was conducted across ten databases. Screening and quality appraisal were carried out independently by two researchers, and data were extracted to provide detailed accounts of the theories and methods employed.
RESULTS
Seventeen papers met inclusion criteria. Clear conceptualisations of belonging and reciprocity were lacking, and these concepts were rarely the focus of the research. Theoretical and methodological shortcomings across this literature were identified and discussed.
CONCLUSIONS
More nuanced conceptualisations of belonging and reciprocity may be helpful in future research, to better capture the context and meaning of individual lives and relationships.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Intellectual Disability; Social Participation
PubMed: 33723903
DOI: 10.1111/jar.12881